Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson expressed his disappointment at the burden placed on fans by the decision to hold the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
Manchester City and Liverpool were both keen to move their game away from North London on the weekend of April 16/17 due to engineering works that made train travel a nightmare. On top of the increasing expense at a time when the cost of living is going up, no supporters who wanted to attend the game are able to get a direct train from Manchester or Liverpool to London.
However, the FA are looking to recover income lost during the pandemic and holding all FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley as well as the final - a move introduced for 2008 - is part of their plan, meaning they did not consider the two north-west teams meeting at a venue that was more convenient for fans. Instead, they are providing 100 free buses from Anfield and the Etihad, as well as playing the game at 3.30pm on Saturday April 16 and pausing non-essential roadworks on the road.
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For England midfielder Henderson, the decision has made life tougher for the fans while not adding to the magic of the competition for players. “Something that we've learned over the past couple of years is how important the fans are to football," he said.
“It is really disappointing to see that it's a struggle and it's got to be expensive for them to get there. I've been thinking a bit more about the fans. I think in many ways it's their day and not being able to get down to London for different reasons - the cost of that…
“So in my head, it would make sense to change it to a neutral (different) venue, especially with it being two teams from the north-west. It's disappointing for the fans and I know the FA might be changing kick-off time to try and help and also putting coaches on for the fans to get down for both Liverpool and City fans, which hopefully helps. But yes, it's not ideal for the fans for sure.
“I love playing at Wembley. I think it's a fantastic occasion, a fantastic stadium. But I would like to keep Wembley for finals.
"I think you should play semi-finals at a neutral ground like it used to be. I think that was quite exciting, quite good, and then obviously the final at Wembley to make it extra special.”
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